Plateau Attack: Pastor Among Nine Killed as Gunmen Ambush Churchgoers, Travellers

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At least nine people have been killed in separate attacks across parts of Plateau State between Saturday night and Sunday morning, September 19–20, 2026, with a pastor among the victims and residents of affected communities fleeing amid renewed gunfire.

The latest violence was reported mainly in Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas, with five passengers travelling towards Gana-Ropp among those killed in an ambush on Saturday night. Two other people, including a pastor, were reportedly killed while heading to church at Dorowa Babuje on Sunday morning.

The attacks have triggered fresh fears in Dorowa Babuje and surrounding communities, particularly around Kantoma, where residents reported continued gunshots on Sunday.

According to local sources cited by Vanguard, women and children were being moved away from vulnerable areas as gunfire persisted around Kantoma. A community member, Lawrence Shong, said residents were retreating to safer locations because of the ongoing shooting.

The five passengers killed in the Gana-Ropp attack were reportedly travelling as labourers when they were ambushed.

National President of the Mwaghavul Development Association, Bulus Dabit, confirmed the incident and condemned the killings, while Pyem Youth Leader in Gana-Ropp, Ukasha Garaba, said five bodies had been recovered and evacuated.

Garaba said the victims were passengers travelling towards their destination when they came under attack. Community leaders subsequently called on security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible and strengthen protection along vulnerable routes.

In Dorowa Babuje, two people, including a pastor, were reportedly killed while on their way to church on Sunday morning.

The incident heightened tension in Kantoma and nearby communities, with residents reporting further gunfire. Vanguard reported that military personnel had been deployed to the area, while community representatives called for sustained security operations to prevent further attacks.

Other casualties were reported in the wider area. A woman was reportedly killed at Baten Wereng in Riyom Local Government Area on Saturday night, while another person was killed at Ratyidi in Fan District. Several cattle were also reportedly killed or stolen around Dorowa Maranba and the Kantoma axis.

The latest incidents have drawn condemnation from community organisations, including the Berom Youth Moulders. Its spokesman, Rwang Tengwong, called for increased security presence and urged authorities to investigate the killings and bring those responsible to justice.

The attacks come amid renewed violence across Plateau State. Earlier in September, the Plateau State Government condemned attacks in Mangu and an incident at Dungus Junction in Jos South, while urging residents to avoid reprisal attacks and cooperate with security agencies.

Security operations have also continued in the affected areas. Premium Times reported earlier in September that at least 10 people had been killed in separate attacks across Plateau in the preceding week, while security forces had arrested at least 22 suspects during various operations.

Another report published on Sunday said four suspected illegal miners were found dead after gunmen opened fire on their vehicle in the Gana-Ropp area early Sunday. The report, citing security analyst Zagazola Makama, said troops from Sector 4 of Operation Enduring Peace responded to the incident and evacuated the bodies, while a manhunt for the attackers was launched.

The fresh attacks add to a long-running cycle of violence in Plateau involving farming and herding communities, with previous incidents in Barkin Ladi and neighbouring local government areas resulting in deaths, displacement and destruction of property. Earlier this year, Dorowa Babuje itself was the scene of a deadly attack in which at least 10 people were killed, according to Premium Times.

However, reports about the identity of the perpetrators and the full casualty figure from the latest wave remain subject to further verification. The immediate reports have largely relied on community leaders, residents and local security sources, while detailed official confirmation of every incident was still emerging as of Sunday.

With gunfire reportedly continuing around Kantoma and residents being moved to safer locations, tension remained high across parts of Barkin Ladi as security agencies worked to contain the situation.